Split peas prices

12/04/2016 10:59

Split peas or dhal are a basic food item in many Fijian households. Split peas are high in protein and low in fat, containing only one gram of fat per 350 calories (1,500 kJ) serving. Dhal is good for our health as it also contains high amounts of fiber which is known to help the digestive system and to make people feel full and satiated.

As an important basic food item, the prices of split peas/dhal are regulated by the Fiji Commerce Commission (FCC). Price cannot be charged above the maximum retail price (MRP) set by the FCC. As an

Split peas come in two varieties: green and yellow. Both can be used for most recipes interchangeably. The most common way people eat split peas is split pea soup or dhal soup. Split peas are a basic food item for an average household due to the increase in the prices of meat.

There are about 14 different brands of split peas in the retail market. Some supermarkets directly import certain brands, while others pack their own. Most commonly available brands are the FMF, Sunland, Punjas and the individual supermarkets “own pack”. Own pack are often unbranded packs of dhal often re-packed by supermarkets or small shops.

The cheapest brand is the Sunland brand and own pack dhal are also amongst the cheapest. A 500g Sunland split peas ranges in price from $0.83 – $0.91, 1kg from $1.65 – $1.82 and 2kg from $3.31 – $3.64. The highest price being those sold in the outer islands. For own pack split peas, 500g prices range from $0.83 – $0.91; 1kg from $1.66 – $1.83 and; 2kg from $3.32 – $3.58. (See table) The current prices as per the FCC’s master price list at 27th April 2013 have on average largely remained unchanged from 2012 prices.

Prices vary a lot between the difference brands and consumers are urged to carefully study prices before buying.

We expect that most consumers in rural areas and suburbs distanced from the large supermarkets may be purchasing ‘Own Pack’ split peas at their local store. In Viti Levu urban centres, 1kg own pack (packed by the shop and not branded) should cost nothing more than $1.66 whereas in rural Viti Levu the same should only cost $1.71, while in rural Vanua Levu it should be only $1.79. Consumers in the outer islands should not pay more than $1.83.

As a responsible consumer you need to shop around for different prices based on your affordability